Solid Starter
Alex Highsmith, OLB, Charlotte – Round 3 
The Steelers are in win-now mode and needed some edge-rushing depth, so taking Highsmith in the third round made sense. Veteran Bud Dupree was a disappointment in the early going of his career, but he had a strong 2019 season to earn a franchise tag. Beyond 2020, the Steelers may not decide to sign Dupree to a long-term contract considering T.J. Watt will also be a due an extension soon. Thus, it makes sense to have a backup edge rusher who can rotate as a rookie and eventually might take Dupree’s place.
Highsmith was a slow developing player before exploding as a senior, collecting 14 sacks and 21.5 tackles for a loss in 2019. The 6-foot-3, 248-pounder is quick off the edge with an ability to cause havoc in the backfield and has a nose for a quarterback. Highsmith still needs development, as he needs to become stronger for taking on NFL offensive tackles.
Highsmith should have developmental time with the Steelers, as they have Watt and Dupree leading their edge rush for 2020. Highsmith can then grow stronger with NFL trainers and refine his technique to take on pro tackles with coaches. After being a rotational backup, Highsmith has the potential to turn into a solid starter.
2019: Diontae Johnson, WR
2018: James Washington, WR
2017: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR
2016: Artie Burns, CB
2015: Sammie Coates, WR
2014: Stephon Tuitt, DE
2013: Markus Wheaton, WR
Most Likely To Bust
Anthony McFarland, RB, Maryland – Round 4 
I typically don’t select third-day picks as “Most Likely to Bust” because so few of them manage to stick in the NFL, thus it really isn’t a true bust. Pittsburgh was without a first-round pick from the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade, so there were fewer options to choose from. McFarland stood out to me because Pittsburgh has used a lot of recent picks on the running back position, and I think McFarland could have a hard time seeing the field for the Steelers.
James Conner is entering the last year of his contract, and the oft-injured running back could be allowed to leave in free agency. Even if Conner leaves, I think Benny Snell and Jaylen Samuels could play ahead of McFarland. Snell is bigger and tougher to handle more carries than McFarland. Meanwhile, Samuels is superb in the passing game, so I don’t see McFarland taking Samuels’ reps away there. McFarland is a smaller, change-of-pace fast back who I think could flash at times but have a hard time with consistency in the NFL, and that was an issue for him in college as well. He totaled less than 1,700 yards over the past two seasons, so he did not dominate at the college level. I’m not sure McFarland will be able to crack the lineup for the Steelers, and he has the most bust potential of their picks from the first four rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft.
2019: Justin Layne, CB
2018: Mason Rudolph, QB
2017: James Conner, RB
2016: Sean Davis, CB/S
2015: Senquez Golson, CB
2014: Dri Archer, RB/WR
2013: Le’Veon Bell, RB
Potential Boom Pick
Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame – Round 2 
The Steelers didn’t have a crushing weakness at the wide receiver position, but Claypool was too much of a mismatch weapon for them to pass on in the second round. The 6-foot-4, 238-pounder is a giant wideout who could form a lethal tandem with JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Claypool projects to the NFL as a big possessional receiver who could end up being a No. 1 wide receiver. Obviously the massive wideout presents a size-mismatch problem, and even when he’s covered, he is open because he can uses his height, leaping ability, and bulk to box out defenders for the ball. Claypool has very good leaping ability and is able to hang in the air and demonstrates the skill to highpoint the football. He is a dangerous red-zone weapon on fade passes, and as a pro, he will be a valuable contributor near the end zone. Claypool is a serious threat on back-shoulder throws and 50-50 passes because his large catches radius makes him a problem for defensive backs.
On top of his size, Claypool is a dangerous receiver after the catch. Defensive backs have a hard time getting him down, and he shows a burst to get downfield. Claypool could be a good weapon on the staple routes of the west coast offense – slants, digs, and crosses – to present a big target and pick up yards after the catch. He has reliable, large hands and is a natural hands catcher. As a pro, Claypool could be a high-volume receiver who produces large reception totals.
I think Claypool will soon replace James Washington as the Steelers’ No. 2 receiver to go with Smith-Schuster. In the NFL, I could see Claypool being a Vincent Jackson-type receiver and a potential No. 1 wideout for Pittsburgh. Of the franchise’s picks from the 2020 NFL Draft, Claypool has the most boom potential.
2019: Devin Bush, LB
2018: Terrell Edmunds, S
2017: T.J. Watt, LB
2016: Javon Hargrave, DT
2015: Bud Dupree, LB
2014: Ryan Shazier, LB
2013: Jarvis Jones, LB
Future Depth Player
Kevin Dotson, G, La.-Lafayette – Round 4 
The Steelers have a solid interior of the offensive line, so they don’t need Dotson to develop into a starter. As a fourth-round pick, he was only given a backup grade, but I think Dotson could be a solid safety net for Pittsburgh. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound Dotson has good power, and if he develops his pass-protection skills, he could move into starting consideration after his rookie year. Given the talent in Pittsburgh, Dotson will probably remain a backup, but I think he could provide quality depth behind their starters.
2019: Benny Snell, RB
2018: Jaylen Samuels, RB
2017: Cam Sutton, CB
2016: Tyler Matakevich, LB
2015: Doran Grant, CB
2014: Wesley Johnson, OT
2013: Shamarko Thomas, S
Walt’s 2020 NFL Draft Grades:
49. Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame – C Grade
Meh. Chase Claypool blew up the combine and helped his draft stock, but I’m still not sure if he can separate from coverage or even play wide receiver at the next level. If the Steelers have plans for Claypool to play tight end or H-back at some point, this pick makes more sense. Otherwise, Claypool will be joining a very crowded receiving corps, and I’m not quite sure he can become a top-three player at the position for the Steelers.
102. Alex Highsmith, DE, Charlotte – B Grade
Alex Highsmith’s stock was rising prior to the draft, so it’s not a surprise to see him chosen at this juncture. This makes sense for the Steelers, who could lose Bud Dupree to free agency next year. Highsmith needs one more year to develop, so the timing is perfect because he can take over for Dupree in 2021.
124. Anthony McFarland Jr., RB, Maryland – C Grade
I think this is a bit too high for Anthony McFarland Jr., but he’s not an egregious reach. There were some reports that he has character concerns, but I’m not sure about those. McFarland is athletic and possesses upside, so he should be able to fit into Pittsburgh’s running back rotation somehow.
135. Kevin Dotson, G, La.-Lafayette – D Grade
Bad picks, bad draft coverage. This sucks. Kevin Dotson was a late-rounder or a UDFA talent. He’s strong, but plays with horrible technique. He’s a major project.
198. Antoine Brooks, LB/S, Maryland – A Grade
This is a nice bargain, as I think Antoine Brooks could’ve been chosen in the fourth round. Brooks is a bit of a tweener, but he’s an excellent tackler who should be able to help Pittsburgh in run support. Coverage might be an issue, but he can play two downs.
232. Carlos Davis, DT, Nebraska – B Grade
Carlos Davis offers very little as a pass rusher, but he’s a solid run stuffer. If the Steelers need an extra defensive lineman to clog the trenches, Davis will be able to make the 53-man roster.
2020 NFL Draft Team Grade: C . Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.
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